docking facility

• Installation physique ou zone destinée à l'amarrage, au chargement, au déchargement ou à la réparation d'un navire, d'un engin spatial ou d'un véhicule.

A physical structure or area designed for a ship, spacecraft, or vehicle to be secured, loaded, unloaded, or repaired.

1. Marine port areaB2formal

   A designated area or structure in a port, harbor, or marina where ships, boats, or other watercraft can be secured, loaded, or unloaded.

   installation d'accostage

   • The new docking facility can accommodate up to ten large cargo ships.
   • The yacht club has a modern docking facility with electricity and water hookups.
   • The port authority is expanding the docking facility to handle increased traffic.

2. Spacecraft connection pointC1formal

   A specialized structure or mechanism on a space station or spacecraft that allows another spacecraft to connect and secure itself for crew transfer or refueling.

   dispositif d'amarrage

   • The International Space Station has multiple docking facilities for visiting spacecraft.
   • The crew prepared the docking facility for the incoming supply capsule.
   • A malfunction in the docking facility delayed the mission.